FIFA to Review Sanctions Against Israel Football Federation

FIFA will discuss potential sanctions against the Israel Football Federation on Thursday, following a proposal from the Palestine Football Association (PFA). In March, the PFA requested a vote at FIFA’s May congress to suspend Israel due to the ongoing war in Gaza. FIFA President Gianni Infantino indicated that the FIFA Council would decide on the matter after a legal assessment.

The upcoming FIFA Council meeting has included the “proposal submitted by the Palestine Football Association at the 74th FIFA Congress” on its agenda. The PFA claims that Israel’s football federation has breached FIFA regulations and seeks sanctions against Israeli national teams and clubs. In response, Shino Moshe Zuares, president of the Israel Football Federation (IFF) accused the PFA of attempting to undermine Israeli football through political maneuvering.

Currently, Israel plays its home matches in the Nations League in Hungary due to security concerns including relocating an away game against Belgium to the same country. During the upcoming international break in October, Israel plans to host France and compete in Italy. The discussions occur in the context of a military campaign launched by Israel in Gaza.

This campaign followed an unprecedented attack on southern Israel by Hamas on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. The Hamas-run health ministry has reported that the conflict has claimed around 41,689 lives in Gaza since the outbreak of violence.

As the FIFA Council convenes, tensions escalate with Israel’s military operations in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah, coupled with missile launches from Iran toward Israel. The implications of these geopolitical events on football governance remain significant as FIFA navigates these complex issues.